Seaview Wildlife Encounter on the outskirts of Ryde, once known as Flamingo Park, has closed its doors today (Sunday) after 44 years in business.
In a shock announcement, the Park has this evening said via Facebook that today was the last day of trading and the ‘difficult decision’ has been made due to many internal and external factors, including the seasonal nature of the business and the intense legislation and regulation.
The land off Oakhill Road in Seaview was initially purchased in 1961 by the founding Directors and business owners, Peter & Margaret Adams. The attraction, then known as Flamingo Park, opened its doors in 1971 and has traded ever since, undergoing a re-brand and re-naming to Seaview Wildlife Encounter in 2010.
In their statement, Seaview Wildlife Encounter have said:
“We hope that you will understand that it is time now for the family to bow out gently and to thank all of our wonderful visitors for their support over the years.
“A huge thanks to our amazing team – without you we could not have continued to have kept our beautiful park to the standard that it was today on our last day of being open.
“Please be assured that all the birds and animals will be top priority and the best possible homes will be sourced for them and of course the wonderful Dippy who we will endeavour to find the best retirement home for.
“We hope that we leave you with many happy memories and the family wish you all the very best for the future”.
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Visitors have been leaving their comments on Facebook…
Theresa Galway said:
“Such sad news. We absolutely love your park and it’s always on the top of our list of things to do when we visit the island every year”.
Jennie MacDonald added:
“Our family has had many years of wonderful times and special memories at the park. So pleased we got to visit one last time in the summer”.
Vix Lowthion, the Island’s Green Party candidate during May’s General Election, has expressed her concern of the legislation.
“Colemans Farm went less than a month ago and now Seaview. Hardly anywhere to take kids to visit animals now […] I’m worried about all this new legislation – it’s clearly affecting many businesses”.
Barbara Turner:
“Another nail in the coffin for the island, we need more things for visitors not less”.
Featured image: Garry Knight. First photograph: Mark Pilbeam
